How Najib trapped hundreds of Ustaz and Ustazah for a 1Malaysia Budget 2012

Ustaz (male Islamic teachers) and ustazah (female Islamic teachers) in Gombak cannot help but feel taken for a ride by Prime Minister Najib Razak and his administration. A few days before his much-hyped Budget 2012 was unveiled on October 7, all of them had received a letter from the district Education office or Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah to attend a half-day course at the SRJK(C) Kundang school.

This raised eyebrows as many wondered what could be so important that such short notice was given to demand their attendance for the course. The location of the school sparked suspicion as there were Islamic religious schools in the Gombak area, which could be better used to host the course.

1M’sia shops death knell for other stores

Unemployment is expected to rise with the opening of more Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia shops

PETALING JAYA: Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) shops will spell the end for family-run grocery stores.

A report drafted by economist group Research for Social Advancement (REFSA) said that opening more KR1M shops will drive private stores out of business.

While the intention to help Malaysians hard-hit by stagnant incomes and the rising cost of living is admirable, these 1Malaysia stores and similar moves could lead to a negative cycle, the report entitled Pre-Budget 2012 – The Rakyat’s Guide said.